I Loved Nature and I Liked That
Brandon Foster
Staff Writer
Brendan Chittick talks television, travel and diversity.
What is your name, major, and year?
My name is Brendan Chittick, a senior who is double majoring in American studies and history.
Where are you from (city, county, state)?
I am originally from Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland.
Who do you admire and why?
I try not to idolize other people, but there are a few more well-known figures who have influenced me in one way or another. One of the biggest influences on me has been Andrew W.K. and his ‘party’ philosophy of life.
What is your career goal?
At the moment, I am leaning towards doing work with the National Park Service (NPS). I have visited countless national parks all over the country, and I admire the work that the NPS does to preserve natural and historical places/spaces. I also love being outside.
If you could change one thing around the world, what would it be?
If I could change something, I would end factory-farming practices. Our current agricultural system is disgusting, unsustainable and nothing to be proud of.
What do you like most about UMBC?
The thing I like most is the diverse cast of students and faculty here. The student population at my high school was about 99% white, and a homogenous environment like that is good for no one. I am glad that I have had the opportunity to meet so many people from different places with such different ideas and experiences.
What activities do you participate in on campus?
I am the host of a punk rock radio show called Shorter Faster Faster on WMBC, an event programmer for (seb) and member of the drumline for the Down and Dirty Dawg Band.
Who is the celebrity you would like to meet; what would you do with him/her?
I would like to meet Katy Perry, no question! I am a big fan of her music, and I would not mind grabbing a slice of pizza with her.
What is/are your favorite thing(s) to do outside of UMBC?
I love riding my bike, going to punk shows, playing music, record shopping, traveling and searching for vegan food.
Where do you want to spend your next vacation?
I would love to visit Germany as far as longer distance travels go. On a trip to Puerto Rico, I made a friend at the hostel I was staying at who was involved with the punk scene in Munich. We have been exchanging letters ever since and have mutually agreed that if we are ever in one another’s areas, we would have a place to stay. I would also love to go to a hardcore show in Germany; I have heard they get a bit wild!
What is your favorite genre of television (comedy, competition, reality, etc.) and why?
I guess comedy; my favorite shows are King of the Hill, Daria, Futurama, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Trailer Park Boys. Outside of comedy, I really enjoyed the first season of American Horror Story.
What kind of music do you like?
I like any music I can vibe with, but I definitely gravitate towards punk and hardcore.
If you met Dr. Hrabowski (UMBC President), what would you say to him?
I actually have met him once while dressed as Santa Claus and said something like “ho ho ho.” Unforgettable!
